The German Lop Rabbit comes in the list of special breed that known for its long drooping ears and calm nature. You need to understand their particular needs and behavior. Also includes what kind of home it needs.
You will learn about the lovable German Lop Rabbit’s habits and their necessary care. This guide will share simple and easy ways for a beginner and an experienced owner. With that you can develop a strong bond between you and your pet rabbit.
German Lop Rabbit – Overview
| Weight | 6-8 lb |
| Lifespan | 9-12 years |
| Best Suited For | Singles, Seniors, House/ Apartment Rabbits, children, First-time owners, Outdoor/Indoor Rabbits |
| Body Shape | Commercial |
| Temperament | Affectionate, calm, docile |
| Comparable Breeds | Netherland Dwarf Rabbit, French Lop |
| Size | Large |
German Lop Breed History/Origin
No doubt! German Lop comes from the Germany. Breeders wanted to have a medium sized lop which is smaller than 10 lb French Lop and bigger than the 4 lb Holland lop. To create the German Lop breeders bred French Lops and Netherland Dwarfs together. Later the other breeds were included that gave the German Lop with attractive “roman” nose.
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“Deutsche Klein Widder” is a breed was shown firstly in 1960 at Saarbrucken, West Germany but officially introduced in 1970. It was brought to Holland in 1972 and it becomes the official breed in the Netherlands in 1976 and later in Switzerland in 1984. The British Rabbit Council (BRA) recognized this breed in 1990. Today it is the third most famous lop after Miniature and Dwarf Lop.
This is a responsibility owning a German lop as it has 12 years of lifespan.
German Lop Behavior & Temperament
The German Lop Rabbits are very calm and friendly nature. They do not get easily scared and get settled easily to their daily routine. They must have minimum 1 hour of playtime every day. This playtime helps them to get some exercise and stretch their legs.
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It also can help to make their mind healthy and active.These rabbits enjoy if they handled carefully. These rabbits like and feel safest when they are close to ground.
By playing with them on ground with your bunny and let them explore their world. Remember that these rabbits are prey animals in nature. So, they may have natural instinct even though you kept them with you from many years.
German Lop Size & Appearance
A German Lop usually weighs around 6-8 lb with a short and strong body especially at the back end. Its body is compact and a broad chest. When the rabbit sitting in rest mode its back legs sit almost under the body.
The shape should look even and smooth from the shoulder and hip. Overall it looks impressive with a well built which is not long or thin. They become unique with their head and ears. They look like Roman because of their head. These breed’s ears are of normal length, thick and hang straight just behind the eyes.
Their fur is thick and smooth with strong guard hair that helps to keep the rabbit neat. When you touched the fur goes back to its place easily. To keep them healthy a regular grooming is needed.
German Lop Rabbit Lifespan
German Lop Rabbits live about 7 to 10 year if good care is provided. Taking them regular to vet and providing a balanced diet, regular playtime makes them to live longer.
German Lop Health Issues
Some common health issues like over grown teeth, ear mites and painful spots on their feet. Eating enough hay and chewing helps their overgrown teeth. Clean bedding keeps their feet healthy and a regular ear checkups could be cured timely.
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In warm weather flystrike is the very serious. Soiled areas must be cleaned so the flies cannot lay their eggs on the skin. It is important to have a first aid plan and keep ready a vet contact.
Basic regular visits to the vet detect the health issues early. Do check its body temperature during summer, weekly weight and water intake.
Vets usually recommend feeding the plenty of ha, steady water and keep the living area clean to prevent the issues. In case the teeth do overgrow a vet can trim them and treat any other infection. But regular hay is the best and long term solution to keep the teeth healthy.
How Do You Take Care of German Lop Rabbit?
For German Lop it is important to keep remember that German Lop and all rabbits are to place their cage out of drafty area.
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It may cause of upper respiratory infections and which could be the reason of serious diseases such as pneumonia.
Habitat, Cage Conditions & Setup
A cage made of wire is the best for rabbits as it is very easy to clean and airy. If, there is a tray on the bottom of cage that works as a bedding inside the cage; rather than the area of around it.
Although we suggest a minimum size but the bigger one works better. It will make your rabbit to exercise in enough space if you cannot take your rabbit out.
Bedding
We will suggest you to use bedding made of paper or wood’s shaving. The recycled products are eco – friendly. Keep changing the bedding daily to make sure that your rabbit live in a clean and dry area. There are many materials have chemicals which may cause of allergic reactions.
Food and Water
You can keep a small bowl of pellets in the cage for your rabbit to offer them. A water bottle also should be hanged inside the cage. We suggest a bottle with a strong bottom rim or a glass bottle.
Like other rabbits the German lop Rabbit’s teeth also keep growing till their life. Chewing hay helps to keep their teeth healthy. Well they can chew anything they find.
Bed or Cover
Rabbits hide their selves as they feels safe n secure by doing it. Then it will be helpful putting a enclosed box in their cage. It is must to keep your rabbit warm.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How Long Do German Lop Rabbits Live?
As per the experience of rabbit owner this breed can live up to 12 to 13 years lifespan if they get a good care.
A German Lop rabbit typically costs around $50-$200 from a breeder and depends on pedigree and quality. Rabbits with show-quality or champion-line are cost more. Pet quality rabbits are cheaper.
What’s The Difference Between German Lops Vs French?
French lops are big and heavy rabbits with wider head and long ears. German Lops is more compact, slightly smaller and refined in appearance. Both breeds are calm and friendly famous as pet and show rabbits.
What’s The Difference Between French Vs Holland Lop?
French Lops are big, heavy rabbits with long ears and calm behavior. Holland Lops are more compact, small rabbits having short ears and playful nature that makes them great for indoor pets and small spaces.
What’s The Difference Between French Vs Mini Lop?
French Lops is big, heavy rabbits having long ears and calm friendly behavior. Mini Lops are medium-sized compact rabbits with small ears, very active and are easy to keep in small space house.
Final Thoughts
The German Lop rabbit is a beautiful and gentle behavior rabbit comes from Germany that becomes famous in Europe and North America. They are fluffy but strong and heavy big-boned. German Lops can handle gently and they are best for homes in many situations.
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German Lop rabbits are smart animals. They socialized well when get along with other pets like calm cats and dogs. German Lop can be left alone for short periods even when they need attention. Although they live a long and healthy life if they get enough care, attention and balanced diet.
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